Crater Lake sits in a volcanic caldera in southwestern Oregon
Crater Lake National Park is built around a deep freshwater lake that fills the collapsed crater of Mount Mazama, a volcano that erupted and collapsed roughly 7,700 years ago. The lake itself is the deepest in the United States at 1,949 feet, and the water is so clear that you can see down 100 feet or more in many spots. The park sits in the Cascade Range in southern Oregon, about 60 miles northeast of the city of Klamath Falls.
The park covers 183,224 acres, but most visitors spend time on or near the Rim Drive, a 33-mile loop that circles the lake at elevations between 7,000 and 8,000 feet. The drive has 30 pullouts and viewpoints, and several short walking trails branch off from it. Two islands sit in the lake itself — Wizard Island and Phantom Ship — and both are visible from the rim.
The lake has no inlet or outlet streams. Water enters only through rain and snow, and leaves only through evaporation and seepage into the ground. That closed system, combined with the depth and the volcanic rock walls, is why the water stays so clear and so cold — it rarely rises above 50 degrees Fahrenheit even in summer.
Key Takeaways
- Crater Lake sits at 7,000 feet elevation in the Cascade Range, and snow closes the Rim Drive from October through mid-June most years.
- The lake is 1,949 feet deep and fed only by rain and snow, with no streams flowing in or out.
- Most of the park is accessible by car via the Rim Drive, but the only way onto the lake itself is a ranger-led boat tour to Wizard Island.
- The nearest towns with lodging and supplies are Klamath Falls (60 miles south) and Chemult (30 miles south); no lodging sits inside the park boundary.
- The park charges a vehicle entrance fee, and boat tours and backcountry camping require separate reservations made months in advance.
When the park is open and how snow affects access
Crater Lake National Park is open year-round, but the Rim Drive — the main way to see the lake — closes seasonally due to snow. The closure typically runs from October through mid-June, though the exact dates shift each year depending on snowfall. In 2023, the road reopened in mid-June; in 2022, it stayed closed until early July. The park website publishes current road conditions daily during winter.
When the Rim Drive is closed, you can still enter the park and visit the south entrance area, which includes the visitor center, the park headquarters, and a short walking trail to a viewpoint. But you cannot drive the loop or reach most of the lake's rim. Winter visitors who want to see the lake itself need to hike or snowshoe to the rim — a trip that requires winter gear and navigation skills.
The park receives 400 to 500 inches of snow per year, making it one of the snowiest places in Oregon. Even after the road opens, snow can linger on pullouts and trailheads into July. Check the park's website before you go, especially if you are visiting in May or June.
Getting to the lake and what you can do once you arrive
The park has two main entrances: the south entrance near the town of Chemult, and the west entrance near the town of Diamond Lake. Both lead to the Rim Drive. From Klamath Falls, the south entrance is about 60 miles northeast; from Eugene, the west entrance is about 250 miles southeast. There is no public transportation to the park.
Once you arrive, most activities center on the Rim Drive. You can stop at viewpoints, walk short trails (ranging from 0.5 miles to 2.5 miles), and picnic at designated areas. The most popular short walks are the Crater Lake Overlook Trail (1.7 miles round trip) and the Watchman Trail (1.5 miles round trip), both of which start from pullouts on the rim.
The only way to reach the lake's water is to take a ranger-led boat tour to Wizard Island, a small cinder cone that rises 763 feet above the water. The boat departs from Cleetwood Cove, which you reach by hiking down a steep 2.2-mile trail. Tours run from mid-July through mid-September and fill up quickly; reservations open in early spring and often sell out within weeks.
Lodging, food, and supplies near the park
There is no lodging inside Crater Lake National Park itself. The nearest towns with hotels, restaurants, and grocery stores are Klamath Falls (60 miles south) and Chemult (30 miles south). Klamath Falls is larger and has more options; Chemult is smaller but closer to the park. Both towns have gas stations, though prices are higher near the park.
The park has two campgrounds: Mazama Campground (198 sites, open mid-June through mid-October) and Lost Creek Campground (16 sites, open mid-July through mid-September). Both fill during peak season, and reservations are required. Mazama accepts reservations up to five months in advance through Recreation.gov; Lost Creek operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
The park has no restaurants or stores inside its boundaries. The Crater Lake Lodge, a historic hotel on the rim, closed to overnight guests in 2023 and operates only as a day-use restaurant and gift shop during the open season. If you plan to spend a full day at the park, bring food and water with you.
Entrance fees and what they cover
A vehicle entrance pass costs $30 and is valid for seven days. A motorcycle pass costs $25, and an individual pass (for someone arriving on foot or bicycle) costs $15. An America the Beautiful Annual Pass, which covers entrance to all national parks, costs $80 and is valid for one year from the month of purchase.
The entrance fee covers access to the park and the Rim Drive, but does not include the ranger-led boat tour to Wizard Island (which costs $50 per adult and $30 per child, ages 3–11) or backcountry camping permits (which cost $5 per person per night). Boat tour reservations and backcountry permits are separate from the entrance fee and must be reserved in advance.
Backcountry hiking and what permits you need
The park has about 90 miles of hiking trails, most of which require a backcountry permit if you plan to camp overnight. Day hikes do not require a permit. Backcountry permits cost $5 per person per night and are issued on a first-come, first-served basis starting in late April each year. You can reserve a permit by phone or in person at the visitor center.
Popular backcountry routes include the Circumference Trail, which circles the entire lake (33 miles), and the High Lakes Trail, which connects several alpine lakes in the park's eastern section. Both are steep and exposed in places, and weather can change rapidly at elevation. The park publishes detailed trail descriptions and difficulty ratings on its website.
Water sources in the backcountry are limited, and the park requires that you treat all water before drinking it. Campfires are not allowed in the backcountry; you must use a camp stove. Snow lingers on high-elevation trails into July, so check current conditions before you go.
Wildlife, weather, and safety considerations
The park is home to black bears, mountain lions, mule deer, and elk. Bears are most active in late summer and fall when berries ripen. Store all food in bear-proof containers or hang it from a tree at least 12 feet high and 6 feet from the trunk. Never approach or feed any wildlife.
Weather at Crater Lake can be severe and unpredictable. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, and lightning strikes the rim regularly. If you are on a trail and a storm approaches, descend to lower elevation when ready. Hypothermia is a risk even in summer because the air temperature can drop quickly and the lake water is always cold.
The high elevation (7,000+ feet) can cause altitude sickness in some visitors. Symptoms include headache, nausea, and shortness of breath. If you experience these symptoms, descend to lower elevation and rest. Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol on your first day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I swim in Crater Lake?
Swimming is not allowed in Crater Lake. The water is extremely cold (rarely above 50 degrees), and the depth and steep sides make rescue difficult. The only legal way to enter the water is during a ranger-led boat tour to Wizard Island, where swimming is permitted in a designated area.
How long does it take to drive the Rim Drive?
The 33-mile loop takes about two hours of driving time without stops. Most visitors spend four to six hours at the park, stopping at viewpoints and walking short trails. If you plan to hike the Crater Lake Overlook Trail or take the boat tour, add another two to three hours.
Do I need a reservation to visit the park?
You do not need a reservation to enter the park or drive the Rim Drive. However, if you want to camp overnight at Mazama Campground, take the ranger-led boat tour, or camp in the backcountry, you must make a reservation in advance. Boat tours and Mazama Campground reservations fill up quickly during peak season.
What is the best time of year to visit?
July, August, and early September offer the most reliable weather and the longest hours of daylight. The Rim Drive is fully open, and all facilities are operating. June and late September can be good for fewer crowds, but snow may still block some pullouts and trailheads. October through May, the Rim Drive is closed.
Can I bring my dog to the park?
Dogs are allowed in the park but must stay on leash at all times. They are not allowed on trails, in the backcountry, or at campsites. Dogs can accompany you on the Rim Drive and at pullouts and picnic areas.